A utility coordinator manages all aspects of underground utility apparatus identification, protection and diversion on construction and development projects. Underground utilities are one of the highest risks on any construction project - gas, electricity, water, telecoms and drainage all need to be accurately located and either protected in place or diverted before construction begins. The utility coordinator searches statutory records, commissions physical surveys, liaises with statutory undertakers and manages the diversion design and construction process.
What they do
- Commission apparatus searches from all statutory undertakers
- Produce composite utility records drawings from search results
- Commission CAT scan and ground penetrating radar surveys
- Commission pot holing to confirm apparatus positions
- Liaise with statutory undertakers on diversions and protections
- Manage Section 50 licence applications for private apparatus in highway
- Coordinate NRSWA street works notifications and permits
- Prepare utility diversion programmes and cost estimates
When you need one
A utility coordinator is needed on any construction project where excavation is planned near existing underground apparatus - which in practice means almost every site in urban or suburban areas.
Typical costs (UK, 2025)
| Job type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Apparatus search and composite drawing | £600 - £1,500 |
| CAT scan survey (per visit) | £250 - £600 |
| Pot hole trial pit (per location) | £300 - £800 |
| Section 50 licence management | £500 - £1,200 |
| Full utility coordination (major development) | £3,000 - £15,000+ |
| Utility coordinator day rate | £350 - £700 / day |
Statutory undertaker diversion costs are billed separately by each utility - and can be very significant. High voltage cable diversions often cost £20,000-£100,000+ per kilometre and can be the single largest cost on a development project. Budget for diversions early.
Qualifications to look for
The New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 requires anyone supervising street works on the public highway to hold a NRSWA supervisor qualification. Unit 6 covers the supervisory and coordination aspects of street works management. Required by highway authorities for anyone managing works on the public highway.
Industry qualifications offered by EUSR (Energy and Utility Skills Register) covering utility coordination and mapping. Recognised by most major contractors and clients for utility coordination roles on development and infrastructure projects.
How to find a utility coordinator
Frequently asked questions
What is a statutory undertaker?
Statutory undertakers are companies that have legal rights to install and maintain apparatus in the public highway - primarily gas (Cadent, SGN), electricity (DNOs), water (water and sewerage companies), telecoms (BT Openreach, Virgin Media, various others) and, in some areas, district heating. They have the right to lay, inspect and maintain their apparatus, and developers must give notice before carrying out works that could affect it. A utility coordinator manages all communication and technical coordination with statutory undertakers.
What is an apparatus search?
An apparatus search (also called utility records search or statutory authority search) identifies the records held by all statutory undertakers for apparatus in or near a proposed works area. Records are obtained from each statutory undertaker individually. The utility coordinator then produces a composite drawing showing all known apparatus. Note that records are often inaccurate - physical cable avoidance tool (CAT) scanning and pot holing may be needed to confirm actual positions.
What is a Section 50 licence?
A Section 50 licence under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 is required by anyone (other than a statutory undertaker) who wishes to place apparatus in the public highway - for example a private water supply connection, electric vehicle charging cable or private cable duct. The licence is issued by the highway authority and imposes conditions on how the work is carried out, reinstated and maintained. A utility coordinator handles the Section 50 licence application and manages compliance.